Kenyan welfare organization launched amid pomp, color and big support

NEKWA interim officials pose for an historic portrait photo with Massachusetts Lt. Governor, Tim Murray,Worcester mayor Joseph M. Petty, Kenya's foreign affairs assistant minister, Richard Onyonka and Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Vice-Chairperson, Ms. Lillian Mahili- Zaja. Pic by Njeri Mbure/Ajabu Media

By Harrison Maina, Ajabu Africa .com, Posted April 16, 2012

WORCESTER, Mass.,_ The first all-inclusive, non- partisan and independent Kenyan welfare organization in New England was officially launched on Saturday in a sterling, colorful event that drew support praise and encouragement from the highest levels of government, both in Massachusetts and from the motherland.

Among top leaders who came to support the debut of the New England Kenyan Welfare Association (http://www.nekenyans.org/) included Massachusetts Lt. Governor, Tim Murray, Worcester mayor Joseph M. Petty, Kenya's foreign affairs assistant minister, Richard Onyonka and Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Vice-Chairperson, Ms. Lillian Mahili- Zaja.

Over 150 Kenyans and their children attended the historic launching where pride, patriotism and celebration of the Kenyan culture ranked high.

The event also saw many Kenyans from different backgrounds; tribal, religious, social class, region, age and color, assemble in a free atmosphere where differences and what was described as a "crab mentality" among Kenyans seemed to give way to a new reality of a united community fighting for a better common destiny in a land far from home.

"I am very happy to see Kenyans organize in this manner," Organizations like these are very important vehicles for bringing information about resources available from Serikali (government) closer to the people," said Tim Murray immediately practicing some Swahili language taught to him by Kenyans on the spot.

"This is a great organization for Kenyans to have in the Diaspora. I hope you can build it to become a strong organization that can lobby improved welfare for Kenyans just like the like the AIPAC (American Israel public Affairs Committee (http://www.aipac.org/) does for the state of Israel," said Hon. Richard Onyonka, who arrived in Boston to attend the just concluded Diaspora summit, the NEKWA launch and the Boston Marathon 2012.

And in the most dramatic crash of cultures ever to happen in an African immigrant community, both the Lt. Governor Murray and mayor Petty had to leave to attend to other important business after arriving on time as scheduled at 7pm, only to find a handful of Kenyans present, one hour after the event was supposed to start.

After giving brief speeches to about 40 Kenyans present, the Lt. Governor left to attend and event planned in honor of the state trooper injured last Friday in a Chicopee shooting, promising to return back to the Kenyan event later when he was sure to find a bigger crowd.

The Worcester mayor also left to attend another scheduled function, leaving Kenyans present blaming their culture of lateness that had now cost them their top guests, with many predicting that Tim Murray would most probably not come back.

But to their surprise, Mayor Petty came back to the Kenyan event later at around 9.30 pm, only to be welcomed back with cheers from the now large crowd.

After a brief speech by Mayor Petty, a traditional dance performance by the Kenyan Catholic Community of Worcester moved dramatically on the stage, prompting Hon. Onyonka and the mayor to join in.

Clearly excited, Mayor Petty danced to the traditional Kikuyu Mugoiyo dance, locking hands with the Assistant minister and NEKWA interim chairperson, Wangeci Mathai. As the night wore on, Kenyans were awarded with another surprise gift when the Lt. Governor came back into the event, prompting a rousing welcome replete with ululations from the women.

Murray then addressed many Kenyans present and praised Mayor Petty and Hon. Onyonka for making time to attend the launching of the Kenyan organization. He pledged his support and the support of Gov. Deval Patrick to the new Kenyan welfare organization, asking NEKWA officials not to hesitate consult with him with any need that they thought was needed for the betterment of the Kenyan community in the commonwealth.